UW-Stout News Story

Social justice events feature poverty simulation, performer

Social justice will be the focus of back-to-back, interactive Ally Initiatives events Sunday, Oct. 21, at the UW-Stout Memorial Student Center.

From noon to 4:45 p.m. in the Great Hall, a poverty simulation will be held. From 7-9 p.m., a social justice presentation in the Great Hall will feature nationally known performer and activist Guante.

• The poverty simulation involves participants as they take on the roles of low-income residents, including single mothers and senior citizens. In a timed event they try to provide food, shelter and basic necessities for their families.

The simulation, open to the public, allows students and residents to experience various aspects of living in poverty.

According to the U.S. Census, 15.3 percent of Dunn County residents, or more than 6,700 people, live below the poverty level. In Wisconsin 11.6 percent of residents live in poverty.

• Guante, a hip-hop artist and two-time National Poetry Slam champion, will perform in the evening and lead a workshop and discussion on the environmental, social and cultural aspects of community climate.

The appearance by Guante, also free and open to the public, is sponsored by Ally Initiatives, Blue Devil Productions, Applied Science Learning Community, LGBTQ Program Office, Stout Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Greensense.